It was in the mid 80's at the start and the heat index was over 90F later in the race. The course officials actually told all non ellite runners to walk when I got to the 11 mile mark. Seemed like a good idea. My brain is always up for walking when I should be running. But since the runners all around me ignored the running ban, I did too. I just wanted to finish and I was on pace to hit my goal time. Can't let teammate Cheryl Monnat finish too far ahead.
It was a great course. The first half was up and over the Hoan Bridge and onto the Lake Parkway. I drive it every day so it was a thrill to run this course. The view from the top is awesome and there was a great breeze. The smell over Jones Island was, well not so nice.
One glitch was there were only two water stops up on the Hoan Bridge. One was out of cups and I am only a middle of the pack runner. The 10K runners had not even come through. Volunteers poured water into our hands so we could drink. Other stops on the course were out of cups, water or gatorade. I knew being a new event this migh happen, so I carried my own water in my camelbak. It looks geeky, but the fluid in vital when its so hot.
My friend Cheryl ran with me over the first half as the course. She took off as we headed north up Lincoln Memorial Drive. We turned at Kenwood and hit the bike path for a return to the Summerfest grounds. Cheryl Monnat finished in 2:15 and Chris Wodke completed the course just 5 minutes behind at 2:20. Both good times on a hot course. Gary Krukar has had his training limited by shin splints was just a bit behind me. Cheryl's time was good for 16th in her age divison and I was 30th out of the 70 runners that finished.
There were about 7000 runners in the two races. A 10K was also run as part of this event on the first part of the half marathon course. It was tempting to bail off the course as the 10 K runners excited. They were done and we in the half marathon were only at the half way point.
It must have been a first time half marathon for many of the runners. On my part of the course a majority of the particpants were walking. Several water stops ran out of cups and some were out of gatorade.
Best to take the conservative approach on a hot and humid day. I saw one runner at about the 12 mile mark taken off the course by ambulance. Anyone finishing the race on a day like today has done well even if walking part of the course. The race was closed at 10:30 due to the high heat and numbers of runners having problems. I finished at 10:20.
And that finisher medal......sadly not too impressive. Looks pretty ordinary. Perhaps I am a bit jaded by the awesome medals I got at Madison and Door County. Glad to have it though. It was a great way to finish off my birthday weekend. Thanks for the Team CMT members that ran the event. You guys are the best!
Chris Wodke
Founder & Manager Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com
Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have almost 100 members in 17 states. If you wish to join us visit our web site.
CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS). It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.
Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.
Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.
Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.
Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.
Ooh pooh so would U run this again??
ReplyDeleteSounds like probably not....
I am traveling and will be in the area for the 2012 race
Would u mind posting a pic of your medal?